Sukhum. August 19, 2020. Apsnypress. There were included three main topics in the agenda of the meeting chaired by President Aslan Bzhaniya, held today, 19 August.
The participants of the meeting were to discuss the epidemiological situation in the country, tourist season passage, as well as the course of implementation of the Investment Program for Assisting the Social and Economic Development of Abkhazia.
Opening the meeting, President said: “This is the first time we have met with you in this format. The process of forming the government has been completed, thus meetings with members of the cabinet of ministers will be held regularly.
Today is the 19th day of work in an open border environment. 19 days ago, we, our citizens, businessmen and tourists, got the opportunity for unhindered communication. We have not encountered such a problem before. "
According to the head of state, the epidemic has caused serious damage to the economy.
“The extent of this damage is currently still being studied and evaluated. We will have to make significant changes to the state budget and plans for the country's socio-economic development. There are being implemented a number of anti-crisis measures to support entrepreneurs and identify priority areas for spending budget funds in accordance with two presidential decrees, " Aslan Bzhaniya said.
By President's instructions, the government developed and submitted a draft law that provides significant measures to support entrepreneurs in terms of tax and customs benefits, and extension of permits.
“However, this bill was not passed by the Parliament, which complicates the already difficult socio-economic situation,” President stated with regret.
“In order to support one of the most important sectors - tourism, we held a series of negotiations with Russian colleagues, consultations with specialists and public hearings. As a result of them the border with the Russian Federation was opened on August 1. A large number of tourists immediately went to the country. In one way or another the Abkhaz population is involved in tourism sector. Of course, the opening of the border will have a positive effect on budget revenues. At the same time, we must understand that the threat caused by spread of coronavirus infection has increased, ” the head of state said.
Bzhaniya drew attention to no less important obligations related to investment program implementation.
"Slips in this area can also cause negative consequences for the economy, not to mention the fact that each position of the Investment Program is aimed at improving the quality of life of the citizens of Abkhazia," President noted.
